Monday, June 21, 2010

I've been "Chopped"

Or have I? I think I succeeded in this battle, but I'll let you be the judge.

Although my diet is mainly raw vegan (I'll admit to some cooked here and there), I'm strangely drawn to watching the Food Network's "Chopped." I love the concept on being given a mystery basket of unrelated food items (there is usually at least one curve ball in there) and a time limit in which to whip up something harmonious out of them.

Luckily, my son was around to help me out with that one. Hearing the word "chopped," he automatically thought of Spongebob and his karate chops. Of course, I wasn't surprised when he also thought the noodles should be put in a kelp shake, something that was quite popular in an episode of that cartoon.

I was a little hesitant at first, as I don't recall anyone using these noodles in any other fashion than as noodles (like in this extensive list of recipe ideas). But, since they don't have an overwhelming flavor that would compete with the others in a beverage, I thought, "why not give it a try?"

Besides, I already had a coffee alternative idea in mind, due to the cocoa powder and maca being in the basket. Cocoa and maca always give me energy when I need it most, and this particular cocoa powder actually smells and tastes a bit like coffee, as I found out while making these mini raw cupcakes for a friend.

In a high speed blender, blend the kelp noodles, cashews, water, lucuma, maca, vanilla and sea salt until smooth. Add the frozen banana and/or ice (I like to use banana to add sweetness and a smooth texture; if you just use ice, you might want to sweeten it up a bit with some dates, agave, yacon, etc.), and blend to incorporate.

Remove some of the mixture (maybe about 1/8 to 1/4 cup) and set aside for the topping (this makes it look like a cappuccino).

Add the cocoa powder to suit your taste (I went with 2 Tbsp. to really perk me up, but you can use less if you want), and blend. Pour it into a mug or glass, and top with the cocoa-free mixture. Garnish with a drizzle of date syrup (as seen in this Raw Chef video) and a sprinkling of cacao nibs. Enjoy!

Just as a word of caution, this stuff is a little thick like a pudding, but that's how I like it. It doesn't melt as it gets warm. Feel free to add extra water and ice, if you'd like. Remember, this is your personalized drink. Don't be afraid to swap the banana for strawberry, eliminate the cocoa, add some green tea, or perhaps spirulina to give it a kelp shake appearance. Have fun :-)